I'd like tu say 'welcome' to Mr. Cogan...BUT his statement that his main mission Is "developing strong relationships with the business community of Menlo Park" worries me. What about the community, children, old folks--traffic, library cuts etc. He sounds like an Eastern Chamber of Commerce guy. Is that ALL?

Posted by old timer
a resident of Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Dec 15, 2012 at 5:21 am

We have a new City Manger. He builds up his bureaucracy. MP needs a business development manager like one needs "a hole in ones head". Maybe he will next try to hire an assistant business development manager --- if we need one why not two?

Posted by WhoRUpeople
a resident of another community
on Dec 17, 2012 at 11:03 am

Why does MP need a business development person? Well, for starters, empty storefronts, vacant car dealerships, a very convoluted set of zoning rules that need to be updated, dwindling tax revenues. I just hope the elected officials are smart enough to listen to what he says; unlike how they did when Dave Johnson was on the job. If you want businesses to come and to invest, you have got to meet them at least somewhere in the middle.

Posted by Waste of $
a resident of Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Dec 17, 2012 at 1:21 pm

A true BD professional might be able to help our city, but this new staffer is about as well qualified for the job as Johnson was, unable to do anything constructive but more than willing to take credit for any new business in town...whether or not he even knew about it, much less had anything to do with it. Another drain on our finances.

Posted by Waste of $
a resident of Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Dec 17, 2012 at 1:25 pm

Who, you do understand that the "vacant car dealerships" that upset so many of us are located on land belonging to Stanford,and that Stanford has deliberately permitted the property to remain in that condition. That vacant land is no reason to hire a BD.

With the new Arrilaga/Stanford mega-development, all complaints about the vacant car lots will vanish, as legions of drivers stuck in gridlock on El Camino will yearn for the good old days.

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